By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Real Madrid will play in its fourth EuroLeague final in the last five years. One of the constants throughout that stretch has been Sergio Llull, one of the most important players in the history of the competition and the man behind the unforgettable shot that decided the 2023 title.
With just seconds left on the clock and over Moustapha Fall, the longtime Madrid captain delivered the basket that secured the 2023 EuroLeague trophy against Olympiacos. This time, with an injury-hit roster and the Greek side once again playing in Greece, the challenge appears even tougher. Llull addressed the media on Saturday, just one day before the final.
He first spoke about the injuries and described them as “part of the sport” the team has had to deal with.
“We have to control what we can control,” Llull told reporters. “Injuries are part of the sport. They came at the worst possible moment, but we can’t use them as an excuse — we have to use them as extra motivation.”
Asked about his historic shot against Olympiacos, Llull laughed.
“I have a picture, a painting that a fan made for me… It’s a shot that became famous all over the world, and every Final Four people remember it even more,” the Real Madrid legend said during his 11th Final Four appearance.
“We always compete, or at least try to compete — it’s in Real Madrid’s DNA,” Llull said. “Never giving up, never looking for excuses.”
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